SLEIGHT (2016)

Directed By: JD Dillard 
Written By: JD Dillard & Alex Theurer 
Cinematography By: Ed Wu 
Editor: Joel Griffen 


Cast: Jacob Lattimore, Dule Hill, Seychelle Gabriel, Storm Reid, Sasheer Zamata, Cameron Esposito, Donzaleigh Abernathy, Michael Villar 


A young street magician is left to care for his little sister after their parents passing, and turns to illegal activities to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets in too deep, his sister is kidnapped, and he is forced to use his magic and brilliant mind to save her.

This film is interesting and fun as it puts a spin more on the youth paying of a debt to a crime boss. So he can move on and take care of his family.

Even though it is always questionable how old the main character is supposed to be. Here his special talent is magic which he uses and practices to get ahead and some extra money on the streets. As well as helping him get out of trouble.

As we go through the film he character goes through various cliche situations. Only here the added layer of magic and tricks play a role in Helping him not only be a better criminal but also turn things around.

What the film has in it's favor is that the main character is resourceful, smart well read and charming. Unfortunately not matter how hard it tries we have seen this film before and it's situations. Even involving a new love interest into everything.

The gangster element also tries to hard to be dangerous. As it does get violent in a way to show the viciousness of the characters. And also show the sociopathic tendencies of his boss who will become the main villain. As he seems to show no shame and expect anyone to be able to want to maim another person, like it was nothing.

Even though they come off more movie menacing then seeming actual menacing.

Though the ending and how he gets out of trouble is a little too cut and dry. The film has a positivity going for it. That tries to set itself apart.

The film is pretty basic. It tries to add elements of illusion and magic to the proceedings, but they don’t add any mystery to what is already pretty predictable in the first place. There is Nothing wrong with the movie but also barely anything that is particularly noteworthy. As this was originally intended to be a television series and one can tell as it has the feel more of a small or short story. So am episode itself.

It comes off more as almost comic book like. That would appeal to a wide audience though seems aimed at teenagers but mostly adults will be the actual viewers.

The film seems like it would have came off better as a graphic novel or young adult novel. As the. It would have had more resources of depth and nuance. As just as the title the films feels slight but with potential. As the story seems like a warm-up to something bigger. As it feels so small after an initial viewing.

 GRADE: B-